Our Inspiring Leader award, now in its second year and sponsored by the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education, recognises and showcases inspirational leadership in the UK higher education sector. The Guardian University Awards judges nominated individuals for the category – below is the shortlist of seven nominees and judges' testimonials.

This award is about leadership in the broadest sense – the title will go to a leader who has brought out the best in their team, delivering real results and motivating and inspiring people inside and outside their institution. It is for this reason that we open up the final vote to members of the Guardian Higher Education Network.

Who wins this award lies with you, our community – join for free here, then cast your vote for most inspiring leader below by 7 February.

In seeking participation from the Guardian Higher Education Network members, we hope that good leadership and what it means will be shared around those who are most committed to creating and celebrating the best of UK higher education.

The shortlist

Jamie Agombar, ethical and environmental manager, National Union of Students

Photograph: NUS

"Jamie has developed NUS's award-winning national sustainability programme, working with students' unions, universities, communities and suppliers, while sitting on a range of key sector bodies. His energetic, focused, and incisive leadership has had a significant impact on the involvement of students in university efforts to address sustainability. From a Defra research project to the influential HEA/NUS survey into student attitudes and skills in sustainability, he champions a vision of students leaving tertiary education committed to resolving social and environmental issues through what they do in their lives."

Robert Burgess, vice-chancellor, University of Leicester

Photograph: University of Leicester

"A long-serving, highly regarded and considered vice-chancellor who has led a successful and distinctive university with great vision, integrity and passion, pursuing its mission as a institution that is elite but not elitist. Bob has been happy to share his expertise and support the development of others through his many external roles from Universities UK to the Higher Education Academy. A true gentleman, role model and excellent leader at every level."

Wendy Hall, professor of computer science, University of Southampton

Photograph: University of Southampton

"Wendy is a born leader and role model, appointed Southampton's first female professor of engineering in 1994, current dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, and one of four founding directors, alongside Sir Tim Berners-Lee, of the Web Science Research Initiative. Alongside her own pioneering research in multimedia and hypermedia, she is a public and passionate advocate for encouraging more girls into science, engineering and technology, and ensuring women as well as men contribute to, and benefit from, technological advances."

Tricia King, pro-vice-master for student experience and director of external relations, Birkbeck, University of London

Photograph: Birkbeck, University of London

"Not only has Tricia been a longtime advocate and showcase for clearer communications in UK higher education, she has tirelessly championed the cause of part-time and mature students in her own institution – and the wider sector. At Birkbeck, she has helped build a joined-up student experience from recruitment to graduation. She is personable, practical and her compelling advocacy on policy and funding for part-time students has won her – and the cause – credibility in the eyes of politicians, peers and public alike."

Alan Langlands, vice-chancellor of University of Leeds and former chief executive of Higher Education Funding Council for England

Photograph: University of Leeds

"The university sector has undergone major changes under the current government. Throughout, Alan has been exemplary in his representation of the sector and his inspiring leadership, both of Hefce and the wider higher education community. He has steered through major policy change, working with ministers, civil servants and vice chancellors to maximise impact and to reassure students and stakeholders alike. This main is unfrightenable, saving our sector from all kinds of hazards. He is calm, wise and cares about students above all else."

Chris Snowden, vice-chancellor, University of Surrey, and president of Universities UK

Photograph: University of Surrey

"Through prolonged and progressive leadership at Surrey, Chris has built up a very strong research university, forging industry partnerships that benefit both staff and students, as well as overseeing the development of Surrey Research Park, a centre of excellence in technology, science, health and engineering and model for university business parks across the country. Chris has led Surrey up the university rankings, all the while maintaining his outstanding individual track record in research and industry, and as new president of Universities UK, he is now steering the sector too."

Richard Taylor, chief operating officer, Loughborough University and former deputy registrar at University of Leicester

Photograph: Andrew Weekes Photography

"Richard is an experienced strategy man who has now in a deserved role at the top of an institution. In the past year at Leicester, he championed the initial research into the Richard III dig and masterminded its later public dissemination, working expertly with academic and professional colleagues. Richard also provides leadership to higher education marketing staff through his role as a CASE tutor. His vigour and knowledge of data and market research is second to none and he has raised standards for higher education marketing across the UK."

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